Snead and Thomas allegedly broke into 23 homes in areas near Georgetown, Frankford, Dagsboro, Millsboro and Laurel during the daytime, usually by using nearby objects to break out windows, Fournier said.

In most cases, the couple made off with jewelry, cash and electronic devices.

The couple’s fatal flaw came in December when they allegedly stole a gas card from a home in Millsboro.

Detectives were able to identify Snead and Thomas after tracing the stolen card to transactions made at a Millsboro gas station, Fournier said.

Snead was arrested at the Georgetown Probation and Parole office on Jan. 9 and charged with six counts each of identity theft, theft and unlawful use of a credit card. He was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown in lieu of a $10,000 secured bail.

Thomas was arrested Jan. 14 and charged with 12 counts each of identity theft, theft and unlawful use of a credit card. She was remanded to the Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in New Castle in default of a $39,000 secured bail.

After additional investigation linked the couple to the burglaries committed throughout Sussex County, each also was charged with multiple counts of burglary, theft, conspiracy and criminal mischief.

An additional secured bond of $143,700 was placed on Snead. Bond information for Thomas on the additional charges was not immediately available.